Patricia Joyce Hobson Law
Patricia Joyce Hobson Law, age 69, passed away November 14, 2011 of congestive heart failure at Delmar Gardens of Lenexa.
Patricia was born in Salina, Kansas, to Wyman Arnett Hobson and Virginia Lucile Willis Hobson and graduated from Salina Central High School in 1960. She attended the University of Kansas — where she met her husband, Elmo Adrian Law — and graduated with a bachelor’s of science in nursing in 1964. She worked as a medical-surgical nurse at the KU Medical Center in Kansas City, as an office nurse for a physicians’ practice at Country Club Plaza and as medical-surgical instructor at St. Luke’s Hospital School of Nursing in Kansas City. She retired from nursing due to a back injury and became a circulation librarian at Johnson County Community College in Overland Park.
Patricia spent a lifetime taking care of others, including her patients and her family, but struggled with chronic health problems of her own — including Menetriere’s disease of the stomach, depression and diabetes — as a result of her childhood bout with polio. In her later years, Elmo cared for her physically while she provided emotional support for him. In tribute, he wrote:
“A lifetime of companionship,
romance and tremendous support.
She called me her rock,
I called her my light,
Together we built a lighthouse!”
Patricia loved to explore new things, and threw herself wholeheartedly into activities and crafts, from cooking to doll collecting to sewing to scrapbooking. Even as her energy waned, she jumped into a new world of popular culture, gaining interest in television shows and quizzing family about celebrities she’d never heard of before.
When her struggles were great, she found joys in simple pleasures: having her hair washed, snuggling with her toy poodle, being read to, or watching her grandson draw beside her.
Along with her husband and son, Randall David Law, Patricia is survived by her daughter-in-law Hannah Wolfson and adored grandson Alexander Ward Law. Other surviving family members include: her niece, Kimberly Hobson Piira of Seattle, Washington, and her family; her cousin, Steve Sankey and his wife Karen of Niwot, Colorado; her aunt, Vesta Sankey of Ames, Iowa; her uncle, Larry Hobson and his wife Patsy of Scandia, Kansas; and longtime friends Leyden Pauli of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Judy Peterson Driscoll of Russell, Kansas. She was predeceased by her parents, her brother, David Wyman Hobson, and her sister-in-law, Sylvia Lloyd.
Special thanks goes to the staff at Delmar Gardens and the hospice staff of Vitas, who made her comfortable in her final days.
Memorial Service
A memorial service will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, November 19, 2011, at Amos Family Chapel of Shawnee.
Memorial Contributions
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to March of Dimes’ post-polio efforts at 4400 College Boulevard, #180, Overland Park, Kansas, 66211 and include Patricia’s name on the check.
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Dear Elmo, Randy, Hannah, and Alex,
I was so sorry to hear of Pat’s passing. She was a kind, loving, and gracious lady. Dave adored her and was proud to be her brother. She (and all of you) welcomed me into the family with open arms and I will always hold you in my heart.
Love,
–Kathy
Elmo,
I am so sorry to hear of the death of your wife. Just want you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Loretta Sanderson Klamm
(former co-worker at UMKC-SBS)
Elmo-
I’m very sorry to hear of your loss. I only met Patricia a couple of times, but I remember being warmed by her sense of humor and the closeness of her relationship with you. Best wishes to you and your family, especially during this tough time.
IF ONLY I KNEW OUR PHONE CALL WAS THE LAST WE’D EVER HAVE
I WOULD SPEAK ONLY LOVING WORDS
AND UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN
MAY GOD HOLD YOU
IN THE PALM OF HIS HAND
OLD IRISH BLESSING
PATRICIA YOU WILL BE MISSED
LOVE LEYDEN AND SANDY
I am unable to come to the memorial service. I know this is tremendously hard on you Elmo, but you must know by now how Pat appreciated your wonderful care and I knew as well she was in the very best of hands.
Her family were my second family growing up. Her mom was my Sunday school teacher and mentor. Her dad taught a gangly young girl how to dance and play cards at their home. Every young person needs those mentors, even though their parents were great, there are needs that can be so useful to make adolescence easier.
Please take care of yourself.
Judy
Dear Elmo,
I’m greatly saddened by Patricia’s passing. I know that no words of mine can possibly ease your sorrow. I just want you to know that you are in my thoughts in these very difficult times.
Tamas
Elmo,
We’re all very sorry about Patricia. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Gary
Dear Elmo, Randy, Hannah, and Alex,
Cousin Pat was a positive beacon throughout my growing up years. She leaves behind fond memories.
My thanks for the love and wonderful care provided to Pat in her adult years.
With love, Steve
Dear Elmo and family;
I am so very sorry for the loss of your dear wife Pat. Your tribute is beautiful.
Although many years have passed since I last visited with you both it seems almost like yesterday when I attended your wedding in Salina Kansas.
God has truly blessed your lives together as he will now apart.
Carole and I will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely
Jon and Carole Ryburg